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Brandon homelessness count drops, but need rises
3 Oct
Summary
- Point-in-time count shows 205 homeless, a 10% decrease from last year.
- Warming, transitional, and homeless services usage surged 76%.
- Hidden homelessness like couch-surfing is difficult to measure.
Southwestern Manitoba's largest city, Brandon, recorded 205 homeless individuals in its most recent point-in-time count, a decrease of approximately 10 percent from the prior year. This count, conducted on November 13-14, 2025, revealed a stark contrast as usage of warming spaces, transitional housing, and other homelessness services surged by 76 percent.
However, this snapshot has limitations; the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation noted that "hidden homelessness," including individuals couch-surfing, is challenging to quantify. Advocates emphasize that despite the perceived decrease, the rising demand for services indicates a critical need for more support.
Concerns also arise as several encampments were cleared just before the count, potentially displacing residents and affecting the numbers. Data indicates unsheltered homelessness, including those living in parks or cars, has increased by about 25 percent between 2025 and 2026.
Local partners have launched an encampment outreach program to better assist vulnerable residents. Despite these efforts, agencies operate near capacity and face systemic shortages, including limited provincial tenant services. The province is working to hire an additional coordinator and states that 422 of 525 Manitoba Housing units are occupied, with over 1,100 applicants on the waitlist.
